Ukrainian Soldier Released: Father’s Joy After 2 Years in Russian Captivity

A prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine on May 23, 2025, saw the return of 390 Ukrainian soldiers, including reconnaissance personnel and marines, according to reports. The exchange, the first of its kind since October 2025, offered a rare moment of direct cooperation between the two warring nations, now embroiled in a four-year conflict.

The release brought emotional reunions for families who have waited years for news of their loved ones. Ivan Roman, a Ukrainian father, received confirmation on Thursday, February 5, 2026, that his son, also named Ivan, had been released after being captured in Vuhledar, in the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine, in November 2022. “Congratulations. Your son has been released,” Roman was told by the Ukrainian army. He described shouting with joy upon receiving the news, and being able to briefly speak with his son.

The exchange wasn’t universally joyful. The process highlighted the uncertainty faced by many families, with some not receiving the news they desperately hoped for. The press.net reported that not everyone in the crowd gathered at the hospital awaiting the returnees was reunited with their loved ones, as the whereabouts of many soldiers remain unknown.

Among those returning was Oleksandr, who was reunited with his wife, Olena, after 22 months in Russian captivity. Olena had attended previous prisoner exchanges, but hadn’t anticipated her husband’s return on this occasion. He expressed a longing for simple comforts, and a desire to enjoy familiar foods like dressed herring and Olivier salad.

Another soldier, Ihor Kupriienko, returned to his family after being held prisoner for more than three years. His daughter, Anna Fedirko, announced his return on Instagram, stating that the family had tirelessly campaigned for his release. His family last heard from him in April 2022.

The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, shared footage of the released soldiers, underscoring the emotional weight of the event. The exchange involved the release of 307 soldiers, according to Lubinets’ office.

The return of these soldiers marks a significant, though fragile, development in the ongoing conflict. The process of reintegration will be complex, with many former prisoners of war requiring extensive medical and psychological support. Stanislav Tarnavskyi, released in April 2026 after three years in captivity, is already focused on rebuilding his life in Ukraine, highlighting the determination of those returning to contribute to their country’s future.

Liudmyla was reunited with her brother, Oleksandr, after more than a year of waiting, since April 2, 2024. She emphasized his resilience during captivity, noting that he continued to offer encouragement to others even while enduring hardship. She described a sense of shared strength and unwavering faith that sustained them both throughout the ordeal.

Mykola Znaida, a 37-year-old scout, returned to Ukraine after nearly two years in captivity, having previously served as a partisan and intelligence agent during the occupation of his village, Ozera in Kyiv Oblast. His relatives had no information about his whereabouts for the last six months prior to his release.

The exchanges highlight the immense human cost of the conflict, and the enduring hope for the safe return of all prisoners of war. While the release of 390 soldiers represents a positive step, the fate of countless others remains uncertain, leaving families in a state of prolonged anguish. The Ukrainian government continues to prioritize the release of all its citizens held captive, and prisoner exchanges remain a critical, albeit infrequent, area of dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow.

The released soldiers are undergoing medical examinations, and are expected to receive counseling to help them adjust to life after prolonged captivity. The challenges they face are significant, having endured years of confinement, potential mistreatment, and separation from loved ones. The focus now shifts to providing them with the support they need to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into Ukrainian society.